Abstract

A court decision is currently pending on the complaint lodged by the European Works Council (EWC) against Renault's failure to follow EWC directives (Reuters March 27, 1997). In Brussels, the courts have taken the necessary first steps to bring Renault before the European Court of Justice. And in a resolution adopted during their March plenary session, the European Parliament pronounced Renault's actions unacceptable (by a vote of 358-36). Still, Renault remains defiant, claiming that financial need justifies their actions. In the words of a Renault spokesperson, "the economic reality is what it is and cannot be compromised by decisions bearing on procedural issues" (Reuters April 3, 1997). The Renault affair may represent a new reality for social movements in Europe as they respond to the processes of integration. As Renault suggests, social movements may become transnational in their sources, processes, and outcomes.